1837: H. Houston to Thomas Wier

This letter was written by “H. Houston” who calls himself a brother of the recipient but I cannot find any genealogical or historical record making the connection. He appears to have been the postmaster of Walnut Hill, Virginia, at the time his letter was written in 1837.

Houston wrote the letter to Thomas Wier (1803-Aft1870), a native of Ireland, who served as the first postmaster in Jacksboro, Tennessee, from 27 May 1829 until 11 December 1849. He was a farmer and slaveholder.

Stampless Letter

TRANSCRIPTION

Addressed to Thomas Wier, Postmaster, Jacksboro, Tennessee

Walnut Hill, Virginia
July 27, 1837

Dear Brother,

Page 1

I have not heard from you in some time, except by way passengers. Brother William & Sister together with Mother talked of making a visit shortly to your place. My wife and I concluded to accompany them when they would set out but from Brother’s throng together with my harvest, which is very heavy, it is yet out of our power to say when. We just finished cutting or rather reaping 40 acres oats making with the wheat eleven days we had in reaping. We commenced the Meadow in the morning. I have worked hard this summer when at home in the crop. And when from home, have been very busily employed in collections but in the last I have made but poor proficiency. I must still follow it up as I must by some means go on to the North and square up my old arrearages. I have wrote to them all my delay. I am so hard pressed that I must request at the time I go on to every cent you probably can take or scrape, beg or borrow. I have done nothing at McGinnisses yet. The customers state they actually have not got it which is pretty much same reply at each of the other places.

Page 2

It is possible Brother will write you before we go down. I am inclined to think it will be out of our power to go down before we get through the meadows.

Present our respects to sister and believe me your brother, — H. Houston